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Find Joy and Peace in Hard Times

You can find joy and peace in hard times.

How is your world? Mine’s in a mess right now! I could be stressed, worried, and frazzled to a fritter.

I could question finding any joy and peace as I, like many of you, struggle with deaths, unexpected changes, illnesses and daily stresses.

My friend Patches (picture) and I have a few tips to help you find joy and peace in the midst of hard times.

Focus on the good, even for a few seconds.

In the worst of times, dig deep within you for good memories. Holding my brother’s hand for the last time brought heaviness to my heart. Recalling his laughter, the twinkle in his eye when he talked of seeing Mother before I do, served to remind me of better days. I praise God for the times we shared.

Make time to do a fun project.

Seem impossible? Too busy? Stop! Think! You can organize a tiny space somewhere to leave a small project out for those few minutes a day when you can steal away. Seriously, put out a pad and pen if you like to write. Begin a sewing, embroidery, or crochet project … even a few stitches a day! Have a favorite book ready to open (and maybe a tiny candy or cracker to go with!)

Learn to lean on a strong foundation.

This year for me has been one of learning who I can trust with my deepest feelings. I am thankful for a strong foundation based upon God’s Word. His words have held me up when all else failed around me. If you are not familiar with the Bible, read the Psalms and meditate on them. God’s Word will give you strength and joy and peace beyond belief.

Find a way to share with others.

I have a friend, more stressed than I, that finds joy in baking bread for someone or taking them a meal; I don’t do that! I send cards, call people, give hugs and smiles.

I write letters to God, I read His word; I write stories about Him. I keep a pen and paper in my pocket! I have a strong belief that the youngest child to the oldest adult will benefit from learning about God from His Word.

And now, about Patches!

I believe God created Patches Joyland Press to make His Word more personal to young and old alike. My new book is a Biblical Coloring and Activity Book and will feature Patches. From comments already, I believe God will use this to encourage all ages, not just kiddos.

PATCHES JOYLAND EXPRESS will be available through Amazon.com when it’s published. It will be filled with pages to color by Artist Valerie Van Bebber and word searches and crossword puzzles and more! Lots more! AVAILABLE NOW! See Susie’s Bookstore or click on links on the right!

6 Decision Making Tips for Busy Families

Six simple decision making tips for busy families.

Caring for a home and family can be difficult. Mothers and caregivers and their busy families bide for time. Decisions are made daily that affect the lives of others.

Simple tasks often cause stress and keep us overwhelmed.

One week I planned to clean our carpet. I reasoned I could make time to do it. The next week, I considered a carpet cleaner, then talked myself out of spending the money. Each time that I made a decision, then changed my mind, it made my work and stress pile up!

Have you been there? You make a decision only to change your mind? The work never gets done and you are worn out from struggling with unfinished projects.

I put into practice some techniques that work and followed through on my decisions. I’m praying you will apply these decision making tips to at least one issue you face.

#1 Honestly identify the problem. My underlying problem was not the dirty carpet. My problem was lack of time and energy. My schedule would not change in the near future.

#2 Make a list of possible alternatives. I could rent a machine and do it; call in friends to help; leave it go awhile longer; or buy bigger throw rugs (kidding!) Ask others for advice.

#3 Be informed before hiring someone for a project. Check them out; get the best deal possible for your household.

#4 Evaluate the consequences of each action. For me, hiring the work done would mean a tighter budget for the next few weeks. I could find ways to curb my spending.

#5 Determine which choice is the very best for you and your family. Considering the needs of your entire family when making a decision is always best. Truth is, your stress affects the entire household. (Click here for more on getting help from the family.)

#6 Act on your decision as soon as possible. When I finally determined what to do, I immediately called the cleaner and made the appointment. This is so important. Acting on your decision will develop your skill in this area.

What small things tend to pull you down, cause stress?

A dirty carpet may not be a big deal compared to the decisions you have to make. What small things tend to pull you down, cause stress? If you can eliminate some of them, your more difficult challenges will become easier; I promise!

I’m smiling as I remember the peace of making a decision and sticking to it.

Yes, my clean floors were beautiful, the house smelled fresh, and I was motivated to clean a little more. I actually created a schedule for my stressors, one small project at a time.

There will always be good pros and cons in decision making. From experience in the School of Hard Knocks I can tell you, life goes much easier if you can make a clear decision and stick to it. You will richly improve your life and the lives of others as you build confidence.

Hugs,

Read my article on four tips to get help around the home; click here. And let me hear your decision making ideas.

Celebrate Fall with Quick Easy Salad or Dip

Celebrate fall’s arrival with fresh ingredients for quick easy salad.

Tomatoes, peppers and onions are in good supply right now. Add a few canned goods and a fantastic dressing for people-pleasing dish.

There are a lot of variations to this quick easy salad recipe; adjust the ingredients to your families taste and to the fresh veggies available. A good option for the black-eyed peas is garbanzo beans as the peas are not as firm as I prefer for a salad.

Must include: tomatoes, black beans, frozen sweet corn, and chopped fresh cilantro. Also a must is the dressing with lime juice and red wine vinegar.

For variety: add avocado or black olives or jalapeno peppers. With this basic quick easy salad recipe, the variations are endless!

Basic recipe:

1 15oz can black beans – rinsed and drained

1 15oz can black-eyed peas – rinsed and drained

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes – cherry tomatoes work well

1 green bell pepper – seeded and finely chopped

½ cup red onion – diced (I use 1 cup)

2 cups frozen sweet corn – thawed (add frozen if not serving immediately)

½ cup Cilantro – finely chopped

Dressing:

2/3 cup olive oil

4 tablespoons fresh lime juice